If the Redskins stick to the basics, running the ball first, even when little seems to be developing early, things should work out well late. That's what happened last week. Falcons defensive end John Abraham will play in his second game since missing nine of 10 games because of injuries. Abraham had little impact last week, but he is a pass-rushing force, and if he has his legs back, Chris Samuels faces a significant challenge this week. If Samuels can contain Abraham, then center Casey Rabach can help Randy Thomas with Rod Coleman, a run-stopping force at defensive tackle. If neither of these things work out, the Redskins' offense will have a tough day. The Falcons have been vulnerable to the deep pass. If the offensive line can give Jason Campbell time, this could be a big day for Santana Moss and even, dare it be said, Brandon Lloyd. Advantage: Washington

FALCONS' OFFENSE VS. REDSKINS' DEFENSE

No one has a defense that can contain Michael Vick. Vick has the speed of a wide receiver and a cannonlike arm. However, Vick has completed just 51 percent of his passes, something the Falcons attribute to butter-fingered wide receivers and not Vick's accuracy. Either way, the Redskins' secondary, which can be beaten, should benefit. They must account for Falcons tight end Alge Crumpler, the Falcons' leading receiver with 37 receptions and a 14.2 yards-per-catch average. Free safety Sean Taylor, the reigning NFC defensive player of the week, can be aggressive to a fault. If he comes up to stop or attempt to deliver a knockout blow to Vick, only to see Vick throw deep to a wide receiver who has run to the spot Taylor vacated, the Redskins will have problems. Advantage: Washington

SPECIAL TEAMS

The Falcons have Morten Andersen, the oldest and one of the best kickers in the NFL. The Redskins' kicking spot is unsettled and inconsistent. Washington punter Derrick Frost either has solved his technical problems or secretly uses footballs made of flubber when he's pounding his punts high and deep. The Falcons cover kickoffs better than punts, and Falcons return man Allen Rossum (25.5 yards per kickoff return, 9.5 per punt return) will be a challenge for the Redskins. Advantage: Atlanta

COACHING

As if there isn't enough pressure to win in the NFL, Falcons coach Jim Mora Jr. has declared that this is a game his team has to win. Gulp. The Falcons have lost four in a row and are playing on the road. Maybe this wasn't the best week to put a game in the must-win category. But Mora knows what he's doing. Redskins coach Joe Gibbs is far more inclined to guarantee a loss than a victory. Gibbs has re-asserted himself in the way the Redskins conduct their practices and play their games. The result so far has been a more physical running game and a more determined defense. Advantage: Washington

INTANGIBLES

The Redskins are at home, coming off a victory, have a young quarterback who gives the team hope and the fans reason to cheer. The Redskins also are determined to go on a winning streak that matches last year's five in a row to close the season. Advantage: Washington

WTF is up with the SF-NO game showing in parts of the Carolinas and Virginia? Atlanta is in the same division as Atlanta, and the Redskins and Falcons are the closest teams, both geographically and support-wise in the area.

Time for a Skins dominating performance at home. We've had exciting games that end on late big plays, but not a dominating "feel-good" game with TD passes to take a lead and a punishing ground game to control the game. Go Redskins!

I'l like to see my favorite play - victory formation kneel down to end the game.